Newcastle United’s late penalty against West Ham United was “absolutely mental” and shouldn’t have been given, according to Ally McCoist.
David Moyes’ side let a two-goal lead slip at St James’ Park to lose 4-3 on Saturday (30 March) with Alexander Isak scoring twice from the penalty spot to increase the pressure on David Moyes and Kalvin Phillips.
However, McCoist doesn’t believe Phillips did foul Anthony Gordon for the Magpies’ second spot-kick and has been left baffled by the decision to award penalties for players jumping in front of opponents.
Speaking on talkSPORT on Tuesday (2 April) he said: “Can I just shove my 10-pence worth in? I never thought it was a penalty. I’ll tell you right now, I don’t think that is ever a penalty.
“They’re actually giving free-kicks now for a player putting their foot where a player is about to put their foot. Honest to god! It’s mental. It’s absolutely mental.”
Will West Ham United get back to winning ways against Tottenham?
There has been plenty of controversy around West Ham’s defeat to the Magpies and for good reason. The footballing world appears to still be completely undecided as to whether the home side should have been awarded a penalty.
On top of that, some Newcastle supporters have suggested Mohammed Kudus’ first-half strike shouldn’t have counted as Fabian Schar was down nursing a head injury when the Hammers took a quick free-kick.
However, the games are coming thick and fast as the run-in until the end of the season gets underway and Moyes’ side have to focus on getting a result against Tottenham and reigniting their hopes of another season of European football.
It won’t be easy against Ange Postecoglou’s side, but in a local derby with pressure mounting on some at the London Stadium, this almost feels like a must-win. Hopefully, there won’t be any more controversy that will overshadow the clash.
